WILLEMSTAD – MFK Member of Parliament and former Finance Minister Javier Silvania has renewed his request for personal security protection, warning that he fears for his safety because of his efforts to expose alleged corruption within Curaçao's tax collection administration. In a letter dated November 8, 2026, Silvania informed Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas, Justice Minister Shalten Hato, and Parliament President Fergino Brownbill that he would hold them responsible if he were attacked or killed after his request for protection was ignored.
Silvania claims that his investigations into alleged irregularities involving Tax Collector Alfonso Trona have brought him into conflict with influential individuals who may have benefited from preferential tax arrangements.
The parliamentarian refers to a collection of documents that has become known as "Lachi di Trona," or "Trona's Drawer," which he says contains information about individuals who allegedly received favorable treatment from the tax collection authorities.
According to Silvania, the documents identify former and current politicians, trade union leaders, senior civil servants, directors of government-owned companies, and businesspeople.
He further alleges that some individuals mentioned in the files have connections to organized crime.
Silvania also claims that a person convicted of murdering a politician appears among those who allegedly benefited from preferential tax treatment.
Although Silvania did not identify the individual in his letter, local news outlet Curaçao.nu previously reported that the reference concerns former Finance Minister George Jamaloodin, who was convicted in connection with the assassination of politician Helmin Wiels.
The allegations concerning preferential tax treatment remain subject to scrutiny and should not be interpreted as proof of criminal wrongdoing by every individual mentioned in the documents.
Silvania maintains that his concerns about personal safety are directly connected to the actions he took while serving as Minister of Finance.
During his tenure, he instructed the government auditing organization Stichting Overheidsaccountantsbureau (SOAB) to examine compliance with regulations governing tax collection.
He also requested an investigation into an integrity complaint submitted by an employee.
According to Silvania, these investigations resulted in six SOAB reports concerning practices within the tax collection administration.
The former minister argues that exposing the alleged irregularities has placed him in a vulnerable position because individuals with considerable political, financial, and social influence may have been affected by the findings.
His November 8 letter is not the first occasion on which he has requested protection.
According to a WhatsApp conversation included with the correspondence, Silvania contacted Justice Minister Hato on February 12, 2026, seeking security assistance.
At that time, he requested three bodyguards during the Carnival period and asked to retain one personal security officer afterward.
Silvania explained that he was concerned about his safety and believed protective measures were necessary.
Hato responded on the same day, indicating that he would ask the responsible committee to contact Silvania as quickly as possible to conduct a threat assessment.
The justice minister also advised Silvania to file an immediate police complaint if he had received actual threats.
However, according to Silvania, the earlier request has not resulted in the assignment of personal security personnel.
The parliamentarian has now renewed his appeal, directing it not only to Hato but also to Prime Minister Pisas and Parliament President Brownbill.
Silvania also refers to reports circulating on social media suggesting that Tax Collector Trona has received police protection.
Those reports have not been independently confirmed in the information provided.
The former finance minister argues that his position as an elected representative requires him to continue addressing matters he considers important to the public interest.
He says he will not change his parliamentary activities or stop visiting neighborhoods because of his concerns about personal security.
Silvania has also indicated that he intends to continue raising questions about alleged corruption and irregularities within the tax administration.
His renewed request comes amid continuing controversy surrounding the Tax Collector's Office and allegations about the handling of tax debts and preferential arrangements for certain taxpayers.
The dispute between Silvania and Trona has attracted considerable public attention since their confrontation became public in October 2025, when Silvania was still serving as finance minister.
The controversy subsequently contributed to a broader political and administrative debate about accountability, integrity, and oversight within Curaçao's tax collection system.
In his latest letter, Silvania adopts a particularly serious tone, warning the three government officials that he considers them responsible for his safety.
He states that if they fail to act immediately on his request for a bodyguard, he will hold them accountable should he become the victim of physical violence or murder.
That warning represents Silvania's stated position and does not, by itself, establish legal responsibility on the part of the officials addressed.
The available information does not indicate whether the authorities have conducted a formal threat assessment since February or whether a new security evaluation has been requested following the November 8 letter.
It is also unclear whether the government intends to grant his request.
The situation raises questions about the procedures used to assess security threats against elected officials, particularly those involved in politically sensitive investigations or public allegations of corruption.
For now, Silvania maintains that he will continue his work as a parliamentarian while insisting that the responsible authorities take his concerns seriously and provide the protection he believes is necessary.